MooneyOnMoney.com

Insurance Read Time: 2 min

Protection Against Uninsured Drivers

About 12.6 percent of all motorists, or one-in-eight drivers, do not have automobile insurance, according to the Insurance Research Council.¹

Having the misfortune to get into an accident with an uninsured motorist may have serious financial consequences, depending upon the state in which you reside and whether it is a “no-fault” or “tort” state.

In no-fault states, the law does not assign blame for an accident. As a result, each driver is reimbursed by his or her insurance company for any damages. In a “tort” state, insurance companies pay out claims based upon the percentage of fault assigned to each driver.²

Any accident with an uninsured driver means no insurance reimbursement payment for his or her apportioned share of the damage. This can leave you holding the financial bag.

How to Protect Against Uninsured Drivers

Some states require drivers to take out insurance for uninsured (and underinsured) motorists. Where not required, it may be a good idea to add that coverage to your auto policy.

You can buy protection against uninsured (and underinsured) drivers for both bodily injury and property damage. This coverage may also be valuable in cases where an insured motorist flees the scene of an accident without trading insurance information.

The first step to protect yourself against this potential financial risk is to contact your insurance agent to discuss your current coverage, applicable state insurance laws, and what you need to do to obtain protection against uninsured motorists.

1. Insurance-Research.org, March 22, 2021
2. The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult legal or insurance professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?

How Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?

Knowing the rules may help you decide when to start benefits.

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.

Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy

Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy

Estate strategies for millennials may sound like less of a concern than retirement, but young adults should prepare now.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

An Overview of Renter’s Insurance

Don’t overlook the need for renter’s insurance if you rent your home.

Understanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets

An inside look at how marginal income tax brackets work.

Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children

When you’re married and have children, insurance needs will be different.

View all articles

A Look at Systematic Withdrawals

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

Assess Your Life Insurance Needs

This calculator estimates how much life insurance you would need to meet your family's needs if you were to die prematurely.

Historical Inflation

This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.

View all calculators

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

View all presentations

4 Elements of an Estate Strategy

Learn about the importance of having an estate strategy in this helpful and informative video.

Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Doing your research is key before buying a vacation home.

A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit

Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.

View all videos